Choosing a generator for a small business is a key decision. When the power goes out, your business operations can suddenly come to a halt. Even a short power outage can cause revenue losses, with confused workers and unhappy customers creating stress for small business owners.
A reliable generator can give you the power you need to keep things running until electricity is restored. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of business backup generator options, with advice on choosing the best generator for small business use.
Why small businesses may need a backup generator
If your business has a backup generator, you have a reliable safety net when the power fails. It’s a critical support system that prevents interruptions to sales and ensures your ability to provide services to customers. You can prevent losses from spoiled food, closed production lines and the inability to process transactions.
Winter power outages can lead to freezing conditions in your facility. In the summer, temperatures can get dangerously hot. Add darkness to discomfort, and you have a staff morale and productivity problem, along with the broader effects and costs power outages create for your business.
How to choose a generator for your small business
Choosing a generator for your small business comes down to a few key factors to consider:
- The right size for your power needs
- The fuel type
- Generator energy efficiency
- The necessary power phase
- Whether or not it needs to be portable
- Where to put it
Let’s break down each of these considerations so you can find the backup generator that best fits your business.
1. Ensure the generator size fits your power usage
Estimating size is the most important element of choosing a generator for a small business. Start by making a list of the actions essential for running your business, along with the power each device and appliance draws. For example:
- You might need refrigerators and ovens to keep running.
- You may have manufacturing equipment that must run to stay operational.
- You might need point-of-sale equipment and internet connections to continue business.
- Lighting and HVAC are must-haves for many businesses.
When your list is complete, add up the total wattage of these items. This number will give you an idea of your basic power needs. Then you can right-size a generator. Keep in mind that some businesses require more power than others.
Here’s an idea of what size generator a small business may need, based on industry:
- Office spaces: Equipment you may need to power includes your computers, servers, printers, modems and routers. Lighting and HVAC are necessary in most offices, too.
- Restaurants and grocery stores: Food service businesses rely on refrigerators, freezers, ovens and stoves to keep food from spoiling and operations running. Lighting and HVAC keep customers comfortable, while equipment for processing payments and internet connection are also vital.
- Retail: For the safety of clerks and customers, HVAC is a must-have for retail stores. You also need cash registers, an internet connection and security.
- Healthcare and public buildings: Critical systems require power. Medical devices, health support systems and refrigeration for medications are vital. Lighting and HVAC are additional necessities for healthcare and public buildings.
Whatever your business type, you may wish to consult with a professional, as choosing a generator for a small business can be more complicated than choosing a generator for your home.
2. Choose the right fuel type
Business backup generators are designed to use various fuel types. The right choice for you depends on factors such as fuel availability, storage capacity, installation requirements and maintenance, environmental impact and operating costs.
Here’s a summary of each fuel type to help you choose the business backup generator that best meets your needs:
- Natural gas generators: Units that burn this type of fuel enjoy a steady supply and a clean burn. Natural gas is also a cost-effective choice. On the downside, you’ll be dependent on natural gas pipelines, which may be disrupted in emergencies.
- Diesel generators: For fuel efficiency, diesel generators are clear winners. Another plus is that these generators are durable. The drawbacks include high emissions, strong odor and excessive noise when running.
- Propane generators: These are as clean-burning as natural gas. You can also store fuel onsite for long periods without it degrading. You’ll likely need large storage tanks, though, as a considerable amount of propane is needed to run a generator for an outage that lasts more than a few hours.
- Gasoline generators: For readily available fuel, these generators offer convenience. They do produce high emissions, however, and fuel cannot be stored over a long period.
3. Consider the generator’s energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a consideration for the total cost of ownership and operation. The price you pay for your small business generator isn’t just the purchase price, but includes the price of fuel when you operate it and maintenance to make sure it stays reliable.
Generators that have a power management system can balance loads to reduce fuel consumption and wasted energy. The right inverter adjusts the engine speed and fuel burn to match the power being drawn. The fuels discussed above offer varying levels of efficiency, with diesel and natural gas performing better than gasoline.
4. Pick a power phase suitable for your business
Another factor in choosing a generator for a small business is its power phase, or how electricity is delivered from your generator to the devices pulling power from it.
For devices that don’t have heavy power needs, a single-phase generator is more than enough. It can safely and affordably power computers, lights and office equipment. However, heavy-duty machinery and power-hungry appliances need the stable power of a three-phase generator, which requires a larger investment.
5. Decide between a standby or a portable generator
Depending on your needs, you may consider a portable generator that you can move to wherever it’s needed. Small offices with just a few critical devices or mobile offices at construction sites may be able to get by with relatively inexpensive portable options.
A standby generator is a permanent installation that’s typically sized to power a large facility and vital equipment. These are much more expensive, but are also more reliable when your business can’t survive the downtime of a power outage.
6. Consider noise and location
Depending on the customers you serve and the location of your business, noise is a consideration. Too much noise affects the overall experience for customers, staff and those nearby, meaning a quiet generator may be the better option.
Another consideration in choosing a generator for a small business is where it will be installed. Your space must meet safety requirements for ventilation and clearance from flammable materials. Access for service and fuel replenishments should be accounted for, as well.
Picking a generator to support your long-term goals
Given all the factors to consider when choosing a generator for your business, it may be helpful to work with a licensed professional. They can tell you what size generator your small business needs and ensure it’s properly sited and installed. They will also be able to work with your budget for buying and installing it, as well as ensuring fuel-efficient and cost-efficient operation in the long term.
Taking the time to ensure you make the right choice for your situation offers real benefits. Beyond making your business safer during a power outage, a reliable backup generator builds customer trust, supports your growth and may also help you meet your business sustainability goals.